Seasonal· Poros· Greece — Ionian, Saronic & Argolic
Southern Saronic Summer Winds & Autumn Squalls
37° 30.0′ N · 23° 27.1′ E · approximate
The southern Saronic gets a gentler meltemi than the Cyclades, but it still follows a daily cycle, and late-summer thunderstorms can hit harbours like Poros with sudden violence.
Practical
Coordinate is approx: set at the Poros channel as a reference point for this regional phenomenon. Eagleray text on the Poros Port Fund site: when the meltemi (lasting 5-10 days) blows, a light NW wind at daybreak lasts until about 11am; the meltemi then fills in around noon and blows until 11pm-midnight, before dying, and the cycle repeats. From August to October a light SE land breeze picks up late morning, blows until sunset, then turns light SW for a couple of hours. SailingIssues: from the Corinth Canal to Sounion and between Methana and Attica the meltemi blows Force 4-6 at most from NNE-NE; winds are weaker around Methana and Poros, and the meltemi here is less regular and less strong than in the Cyclades. Noonsite (Oct 2016): a 20-minute thunderstorm squall of 60-80 kn raised 1.5 m waves in Poros harbour and broke boats off the pontoon; Noonsite warns sudden strong winds are common, so check forecasts and use long lines and springs.
Best for
Planning passages and harbour nights
Season
Meltemi July-August; squalls most likely Sept-Oct